Acer plans to ‘aggressively’ promote new Chromebook to compete with Microsoft

Acer (2353) will reportedly launch a second-generation Chromebook computer in mid-October, according to a report from Digitimes. The company hopes the device will be able to replace its dying netbook line, which is expected to be phased out of the market in the coming months. Acer was initially hesitant about promoting a new Chromebook due to low sales of its earlier model, the report claims. After Microsoft (MSFT) announced the Surface tablet, however, the company was outraged and decided to “aggressively” push its new Chromebook. According to Digitimes, the 11.6-inch computer has already entered mass production and monthly shipments are expected to reach as high as 200,000 units. In addition to Acer, it has also been reported that Lenovo (0992) may be developing a Chromebook product.